Michael Jackson

Bad

First released1987

Bad, released in 1987, was primarily recorded at Capitol Studios and One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with additional sessions at other facilities. The album was produced by Quincy Jones, who had also produced Thriller, alongside Michael Jackson himself and other producers including Jeff Porcaro and David Paich of Toto. The recording featured state-of-the-art 1980s production techniques, including extensive use of synthesizers, drum machines, and layered vocals, with engineer Bruce Swedien playing a crucial role in capturing Jackson's distinctive vocal performances. The album marked Jackson's artistic maturation and was recorded during a transformative period in his career, incorporating influences from pop, rock, funk, and new jack swing. Bad became a commercial and critical success, establishing itself as one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s.